Awareness is a critical skill for all leaders, although many leaders miss key details that impact their teams and business success.
What are you missing?
Five Common Things Leaders Often Miss
1. Employee Morale & Engagement
Leaders can be so focused on results that they miss signs of disengagement, burnout, or frustration in their teams. Employees may not always voice their concerns, so noticing body language, participation levels, and overall energy is crucial.
2. Unspoken Team Dynamics
Workplace relationships, conflicts, and alliances shape productivity and culture. Leaders sometimes fail to see tensions or individuals feeling left out, which can impact team collaboration.
3. Micro-Inefficiencies in Workflow
Small inefficiencies such as redundant processes, outdated tools, or bottlenecks that can slow down productivity. Because leaders aren’t always in the trenches, they may be unaware of these issues unless they actively observe and seek feedback.
4. Growth & Development Needs
High performers and quiet employees alike can get stuck without proper guidance. Leaders may miss opportunities to challenge, mentor, or provide resources for professional development.
5. Subtle Shifts in Business Trends
While focused on current operations, leaders may miss industry changes, competitor movements, or internal innovation opportunities. Staying proactive requires constant learning and adaptation.
Check In With Your Team. They Are Your Most Valuable Resource
Checking in with your team is a great way for leaders to gain a clear understanding about their team. It provides the time to discuss any questions, concerns or ideas and problem solve on the spot.
If you want to make sure people are performing, check in – ask key questions and see how they are going.
Here are some great business leaders known for spending time with their frontline teams to stay connected with real business operations:
Checking in with your team is a great way for leaders to gain a clear understanding about their team. It provides the time to discuss any questions, concerns or ideas and problem solve on the spot.
If you want to make sure people are performing, check in – ask key questions and see how they are going.
Here are some great business leaders known for spending time with their frontline teams to stay connected with real business operations:
Sam Walton (Walmart)
The founder of Walmart was famous for visiting stores, talking with employees, and even riding in truck cabs with drivers to understand logistics.
Herb Kelleher (Southwest Airlines)
The legendary co-founder and CEO of Southwest Airlines spent time loading luggage, working with flight crews, and engaging with employees at all levels.
Howard Schultz (Starbucks)
Schultz often visited Starbucks locations, talking to baristas and managers to understand customer experiences and operational challenges.
Ingvar Kamprad (IKEA)
The IKEA founder regularly traveled to stores, lived modestly, and worked closely with store employees to ensure he understood daily operations.
Richard Branson (Virgin Group)
Branson is known for working alongside his airline crews, train conductors, and other employees to get direct feedback and improve customer service.
Mary Barra (General Motors)
Barra started her career on the factory floor and, as CEO, she continues to visit plants and talk to frontline workers to stay connected with real issues.
Jeff Bezos (Amazon)
While often portrayed as tech-focused, Bezos spent time in warehouses and call centers to understand operations, including famously working shifts in fulfillment centers.
Tony Hsieh (Zappos)
The late Zappos CEO worked in the company’s call center to directly engage with customer service operations and employees.
The intention is not to micromanage and catch people out, but rather to help your team do their job well and reward people for doing a good job.
Checking in with your team also allows your people to be heard. By taking the time to check in, you can provide additional support or prompt them if they’re not performing rather than waiting until it’s too late.
You can also solve problems on the spot and you may even be surprised to learn or observe what your team are doing well within the business and use this information to teach others.
Frequent check-ins are beneficial for everyone, it helps leaders and teams stay on the same page, it creates rapport and engages your team which in turn increases productivity.
How are you checking in with your team throughout the working day?
‘Leaders As Coaches’
Empowering your leaders to coach your team to deliver 10/10.
Through our award-winning two-day ‘Leaders as Coaches‘ program, your leaders will learn the techniques, behaviours and skills required to help their teams succeed in delivering service standards, ensuring your customers return and spend more.
Interested to know more? Let’s Chat
Need more information? Have a look through my previous Blogs, located on The Loyalty Zone website or contact me, I look forward to hearing from you.
If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to share with someone else you know will find this helpful. If someone has forwarded you this email, you are welcome to join The Loyalty Conversation, I appreciate your commitment to the conversation.
Warm Regards
Craig Cherry